We have found 19,978 posts across 4 actor forums:
Why aren’t you hanging out with celebrities? by Mylifereddit • last post Jul 9th
What would you respond to this question? Say it comes up you worked on a movie with big celebrities and eventually they ask this. Why aren’t you hanging out with celebrities?
Was Sam a recruit? She has mentioned several times that she knows very little about the game. by bluemoonsan • last post Jul 9th
On feeds she told Rockstar that she did very minimal research prior to entering the game as well. I know recruits typically have a large social media following, are on those ‘ actor’websites, or have auditioned for other CBS shows..so how was Sam found? It’s pretty obvious she didn’t apply herself.
Recent Drama School graduate looking for some advice. by cameronben47 • last post Jul 9th
Hey everyone, Firstly I wanted to say thank you to everyone apart of this community. This career choice can be incredibly daunting at times and knowing these is always support really means a lot. I just graduated from drama school about 3 weeks ago and I have a lot of questions I think you could help with. \- Being in a structured drama makes it incredibly easy, because you have to be in class at certain times and someone telling you what to do all day. What do you do daily to be a better actor and stay focused? \- What voice and body work do you do? \- For approaching agents, my plan is to self tape three different scenes showing three different sides of myself. What are your thoughts on this? \- In terms of agents, I don't know anything about them. How should I pick which ones I am going to approach? \- And lastly, I have set up some meetings with working actors and directors over the next couple of weeks. What questions should I be asking them? Thank you so much!
Is acting a viable career option? by DaBluBerri • last post Jul 9th
I want to make people happy. I really feel like that's what I'm supposed to do with my life, and I want it to happen. However, I don't want to waste four years of my life pursuing a dream that will end up being Just a distraction from an actual career. It seems like everyone wants to be famous nowadays, so I feel like my chances of making a living and surviving off of acting are slim to none. So basically I'm asking you fellow actoids who are currently in the business, if the day to day stress of whether or not you'll find a job or even an audition, and the low wages is worth it to follow my dream, as opposed to working an average job with a solid retirement plan. Thank you for the help!
Is there an alternative to method acting? by GeeOKeem • last post Jul 9th
Im personally not a big fan of method acting but it seems to be the most mainstream technique, is there any other useful techniques? Of so would you mind sharing what exactly they might entail?
Getting my feet wet... by Jeff C. Zarinelli • last post Jul 8th
Why is acting as a couple in student films always feel so awkward? by MissDramaQueen • last post Jul 8th
As above. Idk why. There's just not enough couple interaction like touching or kissing. It's not like I want to kiss all my handsome actors. But why do student films always feel like there's a lack of chemistry between the actors who are playing as a couple and what can be done to improve things?
Can a shy person act by BeamBM • last post Jul 8th
I am hella shy and really have never done well socially but I have always wanted to be an actor, is this possible for someone who is super shy and has mild social anxiety? And if so got any tips? Would be much appreciated BTW I’m 18 and have no experience
actor moving to LA August 1st, figured I'd see if anybody on here was looking for a roommate by whatislife12123 • last post Jul 8th
nyc based actor here finally making the move to LA, pretty psyched. i'm 30 and very chill, i'll be bartending at a place in hollywood, checking out the class / workshop scene, etc. would love to live with some other actors to get a lay of the land, figured I'd check here in addition to facebook gypsy housing, and craigslist as a last resort lol. budget is 500-800. not opposed to sharing a room while I get situated in the city if it's cheap enough ;) if you have anything available i'll send you a link to my website and stuff so you can check me out. thanks guys
DON’T WASTE YOUR WORDS! by Winniehiller • last post Jul 8th
As actors, we start the journey of playing a role by being given a script or perhaps just a piece of one. What is it? Just little bunches of alphabet letters, all lined up in rows. Some of them you will need to speak. Some you will need to hear and respond to. They are all important. So what do you do first? You read through every line, carefully, making sure you understand all of them and their purpose in the scene, as well as the plot as a whole. Then you begin asking yourself questions: “Who am I?”, “Where am I?”, “Who am I talking to?”, “What do I want?”. Getting to know your character is crucial...discovering what propels him or her through the story and understanding their desires. This is what makes you talk. You, as your character, always wants something. And he or she is often using words to get it. You need to understand how your character sees the world and what she/he thinks about it. This is what makes you speak your lines. Every line...every word has its unique purpose in your pursuit of a goal. You are trying to change the other character(s) with your words. Words are your ammunition for getting what you want. So you will need to shoot them into the eyeballs of each character you speak to so they will enter them and hit the bullseye of their hearts. One word can have a multitude of meanings, according to their context. For instance, the word “soft”. You can say “Oh, this bunny is so soft!”, meaning it is pleasing to the touch. Or you could say, “Ew, this apple is soft!”, meaning it is gushy and rotten. You might say, “That guy is a little soft.”, meaning he is a bit weak and ineffectual...or say “Turn up the music, it’s too soft!”, meaning the person who lowered the volume annoyed you by doing so. Ultimately it is what you think as you say the word that makes it truly effective. If you said every “soft” the same way, you wouldn’t be using the word for all it is worth and you wouldn’t be doing your best at achieving your goals. You’d be missing your target all together. Suppose your character is describing himself to a girl he is trying to get to go out with him. He says, “I think you will find that I’m quite intelligent, fun and very sexy.”. Each one of those adjectives means something very different. If you say them all the same, you are wasting your ammunition. Thinking of what he specifically means by each word and sending them straight into her heart will most likely get him the date. But your character may not be that confident. Perhaps he thinks he is stupid, dull and a terrible lover. Then he will think these things as he is saying the others. It is far more important what you are thinking as you say the words than what they actually mean. You can say “I love you” and think “I hate you” and visa versa. It’s what you think that counts. We call this subtext, and your performance should be rich with it. In real life, every time we speak we must choose a limited number of words to say something that means so much more. The same holds true for your character. What does he really mean? That is what you must think as you say the words written in the script. Otherwise you are just reading. There will be times when you have nothing to say in the script, but that doesn’t mean the words stop. They continue as thoughts in your mind. The other character’s words trigger you to think actual sentences in your mind as you listen. These thoughts propel you into speaking. It’s a constant flow of words and you don’t want to waste a single one. They are the bullets of your intention. “Ready, aim, FIRE!”
Opinions needed regarding college. by TroiasAchilles • last post Jul 8th
Hey all, I'm a 24 year old actor from dublin Ireland. I've been Acting since I was 18 and have previously done features, shorts, theatre etc. I have a strong reel and have been signed to a big agency in london previously. However the last 1-2 years have been so difficult. The irish industry is very clique-y and London is difficult to breach unless you have a footing there. I'm also currently studying in New york for the summer. The reason I'm posting this is because I was offered a chance to study at a top 100 law school in the world. This college in Ireland also has an amazing drama society. I only say this because not only is the degree pretty good, I would be able to go on a grant and actually get paid to go back. The contact lecture hours would only be 12-15 hrs a week with about 10 extra hours for assignments etc. My reason for thinking of accepting this would literally be that this would help me to support acting down the road. Every job I've worked has literally paid fuck all and is barely even survivable. I also want to eventually get to the states and pursue acting in Los Angeles or New york but getting a visa here without a degree is incredibly difficult. My question is does this sound like I'm somehow ''betraying'' my dream and goals of being an actor. or does it simply enhance them? Acting always comes first and getting paid to study and then eventually be able to better support myself whilst continuing to act seems to make sense.. Would appreciate any thoughts.
Looking for Auditions! by Molly Hansen • last post Jul 7th
Hey guys! Are there any casting directors or basically anybody, looking to cast people in a production? I’m really hoping to keep looking for auditions! It would really be helpful. I’m looking for Auditions in the NYC area! Thank You
Headshots, Video Reels Help by Molly Hansen • last post Jul 7th
I need new professional headshot, I’ve gained a substantial amount of weight since the last time my headshots were taken! I also need help with a video reel, never had one but I heard that it helps when finding an agent and furthering my career! Photographers in NYC please comment or message me on price and hopefully we can schedule an appointment to get new headshots taken! Thank you!
Looking for an agent! by Molly Hansen • last post Jul 7th
I am having such a tough time trying to find an agent in New York! It’s unbelievably challenging. You know when your an actor/actress and you know your ready for the big time roles?! But you can’t get started because you can’t even find an agent? Well that’s what I’m going through now! Any advice?
Is it normal for having a lot of rehearsal before actual shooting for non union gig? by alienuri • last post Jul 7th
Director told me the shooting is one day, but they gonna have rehearsal at Park as much as possible before shoot, so actor can know the line and script. But I think it’s actor job to memorize and knowing line before the rehearsal. It’s not something go to rehearsal and start to memorizing. Cuz it’s just time consuming. Am I right? Or it’s normal for non union short film or student film to ask actor to come many rehearsal for one day shoot?
I think I hate art and I want to do acting. by thulite • last post Jul 7th
I just graduated highschool and I’m on my way to an art school in California. I have depression and anxiety and I often overthink and it’s hard for me to figure out what I want to do in the first place. At 4 I wanted to be an actor or I wanted to model (of course I didn’t know what modeling was, I just thought I wanted to be involved in the fashion industry). I did acting/modeling classes but they were crap. I started art because I just wanted to do be able to do something. I went to a Christian school 4th-10th grade and I tried to act but it really didn’t do anything for me since it was either required Christmas plays in elementary/a production of footloose when the teacher was never there in highschool. I transferred to an amazing school junior year and I regret that it took so long every day of my life. If I went earlier, I could’ve started acting then and been able to do what I thought I wanted to in the first place so I wouldn’t have to wonder this now. I’m a pretty okay artist I guess and sometimes I’m super passionate about it but at this point I don’t even know anymore. I feel like it’s too late for me and I know I’ll be too busy in college and I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to take classes during the summer in California, and in my home state there are none. I now realize I want to act because I want to get into comedy. I love it. I would love to be an actor, but I would love to be a comedian even more. I feel like I’m wasting my life. My dad has been guilt tripping me for wanting to go so far away and I can’t tell him I’ve changed my mind now. What the hell do I do? Should I just go to school and while in California try to go to some casting calls after trying to brush up on my skills? What if it is/isn’t my passion and I’m just confused right now? I know it’s ‘never too late’ but I can’t just decide to go into a theater program in college because my school doesn’t have one, I might not have the chance to do one while there, I’m seriously lost. I really feel like I’m running out of options. It’s too late to transfer to another school this school year. I don’t even know for sure what I’m doing at this point. Should I try to do acting while in school? Or should I just wait? Or should I just scrap art school all together and do general studies and take a theater class? Are college theater classes even helpful for freshmen/sophomores? Is it really never too late? Honestly, I’m at a loss.
Demo Reel Help For A Union Actor? by TheAskRedditDude • last post Jul 7th
Hey there, I was wondering if I could get some advice here. I've been trying to make sure that my acting materials are all up to date, and I've noticed my reel is less than satisfactory. I want a better showcase of my acting ability, but here's the problem I face: I'm SAG-AFTRA, so I can't do non-union short films to boost up my footage, and the footage I do have from jobs I've booked are quick one-liners. So, is there a place where I can just make a scene and tape myself to more accurately showcase what I'm like on camera, without breaking union rules? I'm in Chicago by the way. Thanks for the advice!
There Are No Stupid Questions - Jul 7 by AutoModerator • last post Jul 7th
Please feel free to ask any question at all related to acting, no matter how simple. There will be no judgements on questions posted here. Everyone starts somewhere. So ask away!
THE REASON WE STUDY ACTING by Winniehiller • last post Jul 6th
One of the first questions people who are new to acting ask me (especially parents with aspiring child actors) is “How many lessons do I (or my child) need to take before I will be ready?” A similar question I am asked by people who learn that I am on set with LL Cool J everyday is “Why does he need an acting coach? Doesn’t he know how to act by now?” Both of these questions suggest that the asker does not understand the process of acting... or any skill, for that matter. OK...there is a certain amount of study one must do before even beginning your pursuit of an acting career. Acting is a craft. Auditioning is a skill. And an actor only gets one chance to make a first impression on the person they are auditioning for. Directors and casting directors are looking for an actor who knows how to give a believable, memorable, unique and interesting performance. They want someone who knows how to be professional on set. Actors are expected to be creative, responsive, flexible, easy going, prepared and talented. If they are not able to show these qualities in their first audition, the likelihood of them having another chance diminishes. I prefer teaching private lessons to my students, because then I can give them a full hour of my attention to address their weaknesses and build their strengths. The number of lessons a student must take before auditioning depends on the individual...their desire, intelligence, imagination and willingness to practice and prepare. But because I am recommended by managers, agents and casting directors, I often see an actor for only an hour before their first audition. I do my best to prepare them for the upcoming performance they must do, but ideally I prefer to be able to work with them on a regular basis before their first audition. I want my students to come in as true professional actors...not nervous hopefuls. Don’t wait until you have been given a great opportunity. Be ready. Imagine if you were interviewing for a job as a fine furniture maker and you stop by Home Depot to buy your first hammer and saw on the way there. Chances are you won’t get the job. When you arrive at an audition, you want to be ready for anything with the skill to respond to any request. This gives an actor the confidence to know, “I am the one you are looking for” and the auditioner picks up on that right away. Knowing you have what it takes is key in landing a role. It has happened that I have coached actors only once before their first audition and they have booked it. Some have even been cast as series regulars in roles that lasted for years. But once they had the job, they needed to keep studying so they could be ready for what they had to face on the job each day. TV work is difficult. Schedules are grueling. New scenes must be learned each day. There are last minute script changes. And the constant pressure and repetition on set can make staying fresh and believable, challenging. Some actors seem to think once they book the job they don’t need any more help. Smart actors know better. They want their work to always be the best it can be. You are only as good as your last performance, and it is up to you to make sure every moment you are on stage or screen is a shining example of your abilities. That is why for the last 9 years, LL Cool J has hired me to be on set with him everyday, for any project he has with a script...NCIS LA, Lip Sync Battle, as host of The Grammy Awards and a number of films and hosting jobs. He wants me there, not because he is not a skilled actor, but because he wants to become more and more skilled. We are now in Season 10 of our show, and if you watch them all, I think you will see consistent improvement through the years. He is dedicated to being the best he can be and is always in pursuit of being even better. He also depends and trusts my extra set of eyes and the feedback I give him. Two heads are better than one. Every scene has hidden challenges and opportunities to bring multileveled character portrayal with focused purpose and specific relationship interaction. And when actors are fully immersed in their performances, they cannot “watch” themselves. Directors are often too busy to give every actor individual attention and feedback on each scene. An acting coach is there to be that set of eyes, that extra creative mind to offer suggestions and make sure all that is being done is working. How long should you study? You should always be learning...getting better...improving your skills. If you find an acting coach you trust, let them help you make sure you are prepared for every audition. Allow them to help you grow as an artist, hone your skills and make sure you are consistently giving your best, every time. As an artist this should be your greatest desire...to be able to bring your unique abilities and creativity to every character you play and bring the very best to every opportunity you are given. For that you need a team. You need a teacher. You need to study!
[Toronto/Union] Do you submit yourself through any sites on your own? by legendary_sponge • last post Jul 6th
I know my agency uses Casting Workbook and Actors Access, but do you use any sites and submit yourself? I used to use Mandy when I was non-union, but it's pay-to-play now. Also, do any of you submit yourself to projects through CW and AA? Are there any sites I'm unaware of? I'm basically looking to start auditioning for student/theatre/low-budget stuff and I'm wondering if there are any sites I should/could look into.